Related Articles

The Conservatives claim that the meeting is improper as Parliament should be acting independently of Government when deciding how to respond to the growing scandal over the police investigation into Damian Green.

Mr Martin, the speaker, has refused to make any statement until Parliament returns tomorrow despite the growing backlash against the unprecedented decision to allow police access to Commons offices.

He is already facing accusations that he is "politically biased" and has failed in his constitutional duty to protect MPs, particularly those from the opposition parties. Mr Martin is now expected to face a Conservative-led rebellion which could see him removed from his position before the next election.

Four members of the Cabinet are planning to meet representatives from the House of Commons today to discuss the Speaker's statement. The head of the civil service, Sir Gus O'Donnell, is also due to attend.

Last night, Dominic Grieve, the shadow Home Secretary, said: "This is a completely improper meeting convened by the Government privately with the Commons authorities and senior civil servants to manage the speaker's statement. We insist on being present at this meeting along with representatives of all political parties to discuss the issues on the agenda."

The leaked emails reveal that Ms Harman, the leader of the House, believes there are "four principles" of "Parliamentary Privilege".

According to the document, mistakenly sent to a Conservative MP's office, they are that "MPs must be able to do their work" and "MPs are not above the law". However, Ms Harman also claims that "no-one should seek to undermine the operational independence of the police".

Many MPs believe that the Speaker should have refused the police access to the Palace of Westminster.

Ms Harman's memo also states that the "Leader of the House would support any review by the speaker of the process of authorisation of search of parliamentary premises".

The document is seen as a clear attempt by a senior Labour figure to influence the Speaker's statement. Other ministers due to attend the meeting include Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary; Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary; and Nick Brown, the Chief Whip.

Jill Pay, the Serjeant at Arms at the House of Commons has also been invited.

Parliament historically has a special status and MPs have centuries-old protection from the police interfering in their private dealings within the Palace of Westminster. It is feared that Parliament's constitutional supremacy has been undermined by the police's actions last week.

The Conservatives are preparing to release video footage of senior detectives searching confidential files in Mr Green's office which is expected to add to the growing outrage among MPs.

A number of senior Conservatives, including Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, have demanded a full Parliamentary inquiry and debate. David Davis, the former shadow Home Secretary, is said to be co-ordinating the Conservative action against the speaker.

A growing number of backbench MPs from all political parties believe that Mr Martin's position has now become untenable.

MPs are discussing tabling a Parliamentary motion calling for his removal. He may even be heckled as he parades through Parliament each day on the way to the chamber.

One Conservative MP said: "Some very experience Parliamentarians are working out what can be done. He is basically doomed. People on both sides of the House now feel very strongly about this."

Richard Bacon, another Conservative MP, added: "What is truly surprising in this episode is that the Speaker of the House of Commons allowed the search of an MP's office to take place. I cannot accept that this was the correct decision.

"I have a sinking feeling that the Speaker has let us down in something of incalculable importance and that it is now hard to see what he is there for."

Douglas Carswell, a Conservative MP, said: "To me this confirms that there can be absolutely no doubt that Speaker Martin has no more authority as an independent operator.

"The last shred of credibility has gone - he must go."

Mr Martin has become an increasingly controversial figure with questions over his judgment after it emerged he had allowed his family to enjoy his Parliamentary perks.

His grown-up children took advantage of the air miles he earned flying to and from his constituency, while his wife hired taxis at public expense to go food shopping.

Earlier this year, Mr Martin made it known privately that he would be prepared to consider his position only once the growing clamour died down, in order to avoid the impression that he had been forced from his job.

However, critics have grown frustrated as since then he has given no indication that he is ready to give up his post any time soon.